November News from Galavant!

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Can you believe it’s November?! It seems like I was just packing for Jackson, WY and now Thanksgiving is just weeks away! Speaking of Jackson, it was a wonderful trip and has left me with the desire to see more of “the West.” Hiking in the Tetons and the Jackson rodeo were certainly highlights for me. If you haven’t been there, put it on your list. It is a special place, for sure.

Now, lucky for me, I am headed on a “Girls Galavant” to Santa Fe and Taos and will fill you in on the fun in the January newsletter.

Early October brought my first international trip and the first official “Galavant” since the fall of 2019. Our group of 11 had the most enchanting adventure exploring the Lake Region of Northern Italy (Lakes Como and Maggiore) and all the lovely villas and gardens along the water. We then headed to Tuscany and enjoyed the most beautiful towns, scenery, olive oil tastings, cheese tastings, vineyard visits, special dinners and lots of wine!

Our trip did require a bit more planning in order to make sure we met all Covid travel requirements, but it was so worth it. Italy was not crowded and all we met were so welcoming and glad we came to visit. Italians are known to be warm and friendly, but I felt even more appreciated and cared for by our Italian hosts. Most of all, the trip was shared by an amazing group of travelers that made each day special. The friendships made during our galavants are an added gift from the trip and something we all appreciate. I can’t imagine a more perfect trip to begin galavanting again!

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“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.”

We just returned from a remarkable girls’ galavant to “Dreamy Tuscany and The Lakes.” The destination was truly amazing. What more could you ask for than a trip to experience Lakes Como and Maggiore and Tuscany, not to mention all the sites we explored in between?!

This trip was so much more than travel-it was about friends, new and old, laughter, and living life to the fullest. Many of the eleven women on this trip met for the very first time when we departed on this journey and by the end of the galavant we were all old friends. Janice Payne knew only one person before departure, “but that did not last long! Everyone was interesting and outgoing. We all found we had things in common, including a love of travel- and yet each woman's uniqueness is what made it a joy!”

This was the fourth galavant for Phyllis Gray, who loved getting the experience of “navigating through the Italian lifestyle,” and getting to see firsthand “how other places and other countries live their day-to-day life.”

We were also delighted to find that over 80% of the eligible population was vaccinated, and we felt very safe with all of the COVID protocols in place. It might seem like a hassle to travel right now but planning ahead (and of course working with a great travel advisor!) ensures a smooth trip. We even found it easy to complete the required testing, with all eleven of us in and out of a local village pharmacy in 30 minutes.

Travel is so much more than the places you go, it’s about the experiences and people who join you along the way. On her experience traveling with this group, Janice said, “Not only does everyone have a joy of travel in common, but they are all interesting and eager to make quality relationships. The group I experienced Italy with will always be in my heart!”

Whether you're traveling with a girlfriend or solo, now is the time to explore those places you've always dreamed of going. Erin McKinney, a first-time Galavanter, first visited Italy 15 years ago with family and was eager to return to see Lake Como and Tuscany. Despite not knowing anyone prior to the trip, she would tell you to "jump in the deep end. I had not traveled with a group of women before, but I would do it again. I feel certain the folks on this trip will keep in touch and travel together again."

What set this trip apart for the women were the unique and exclusive experiences they were able to enjoy. Phyllis loved the Tuscan gem Castello delle Serre and says, “finding the castle we stayed at in Tuscany would have been very difficult for you to find on your own.” When asked what she loved about the trip, Janice says, “We visited the places every traveler should see and special places I would have never had access to.” Anyone can plan a trip to beautiful Italy, but when Galavant plans your trip, you get an elevated experience.

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Travel makes the perfect gift for people of all ages, and this holiday season especially, you don’t have to worry about what to buy or even if it will arrive on time. Let me plan the perfect getaway that’s wrapped under your tree.

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I'm busy planning 2022 travel and want to hear from you!

The Amalfi Coast makes for a stunning trip. Amalfi, the main town of the coast, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We love to include Ravello, known for its famous villas, on the tour. You’ll love our time in Sorrento, perched atop the cliffs, with its shopping and delicious seafood. We’ll spend time on the island of Capri, with its spectacular views, amazing shops, and exquisite cuisine.

Email me if you’re interested in visiting the Amalfi Coast in the fall of 2022!

For those who want to stay within the US, there will also be a fall 2022 repeat of Santa Fe and Taos!

COVID-19 Travel Updates

Changes are happening daily when it comes to COVID travel restrictions. With masks, testing, vaccines, and quarantine all possibilities, it’s important to stay on top of the latest information before your trip. If you’re flying, make sure to check with your airline even up to the day of your trip to learn the latest requirements. It’s always good to check your hotel’s website for the latest info at your destination. If traveling abroad, the state department’s website for your destination will have information on vaccines, testing, and quarantine.

Passport Renewal

U.S. passport renewals are still heavily delayed, and you certainly don’t want to have to delay a trip because your passport hasn’t arrived. Right now, processing times are taking as much as three times longer than usual. So, what should you do? Check your passport now, even if you don’t have a trip planned yet, to see when it expires. If you have an international trip planned, make sure your passport doesn’t expire within the next 6 months, as many international destinations require passports to be valid 6 months from your planned return date to the US.

If you need to renew your passport soon, you’ll want to plan for a timeline of anywhere from 4 to 18 weeks. If you need a new passport fast, your best bet is to contact your local representative to help expedite the process.